Scenic East Coast Canada Road Trip - Montreal to Gaspé and Cape Breton Adventure

Day 1: Montreal to Rimouski

Montreal to Rimouski, Canada on July 25, 2025

7:00am

Drive Montreal to Rimouski

Start a scenic 6-hour drive from Montreal heading east towards Rimouski along the St. Lawrence River, enjoying changing landscapes as you enter the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.
CURRENCY0, 6h0m

5:00pm

Promenade de la Mer

Stroll Rimouski’s riverfront boardwalk at sunset to enjoy sea breezes and panoramic views of the St. Lawrence, perfect for unwinding after the drive.
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6:15pm

Parc Beauséjour

Relax at this local park offering scenic views of Rimouski River, frequented by joggers and picnickers, ideal to soak up the local atmosphere.
CURRENCY0, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Réserve Bistro

Dine on fresh-caught fish specialties like the cod in white wine sauce at this cozy bistro known for its quality local seafood and intimate atmosphere.
CAD45, 1h30m
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Day 2: Rimouski to Gaspé

Rimouski – Parc National du Bic – Gaspé, Canada on July 26, 2025

8:30am

Hike at Parc National du Bic

Enjoy an easy morning hike on Chemin-du-Nord or Cap-à-l'Orignal trail (under 4km) to spot seals and capture stunning bay views. Open 8:00am-8:00pm in summer.
CAD8, 2h30m

11:00am

Drive Rimouski to Gaspé via Route 132

Embark on a 6.5-hour drive along the scenic coastal Route 132 with ocean vistas and charming villages en route to Gaspé.
CURRENCY0, 6h30m

1:00pm

Brunch/Lunch at Chez Saint-Pierre

Savor a prix fixe seafood meal crafted by a renowned local chef, showcasing fresh regional ingredients.
CAD40, 1h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Brise Bise

Relax at this lively spot offering seafood platters and local microbrews for an authentic Gaspé dining experience.
CAD35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Forillon National Park

Gaspé, Canada on July 27, 2025

8:00am

Les Graves Trail Hike to Cap-Gaspé Lighthouse

Trek an 8km coastal trail featuring stunning sea views, seabird colonies, and interpretive signs. Opens early, park hours 6:00am-10:00pm.
CAD9, 3h0m

11:30am

Cap Bon-Ami Lookout

Short walk to breathtaking cliffside views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Ideal for photos and spotting seabirds.
CAD0, 45m

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch

Pick up local cheese, baguettes, and smoked fish at Épicerie Au Marché du Coin and enjoy a scenic picnic in the park.
CAD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Whale-Watching Cruise from Gaspé Marina

Join a 2–3 hour guided cruise to see minke, fin, and humpback whales plus marine wildlife, with expert commentary. Cruises run 8:00am-6:00pm.
CAD75, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Café des Artistes

Dine on Gaspé lobster and mussel pots in an intimate artist-inspired bistro offering regional specialties.
CAD50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Percé & Bonaventure Island

Percé to Sillikers, Canada on July 28, 2025

8:30am

Bonaventure Island Ferry and Coastal Walk

Take a ferry (1.5h round-trip) to see massive Northern Gannet colonies and enjoy an easy 3km island trail with coastal views. Ferry operates 8:30am-5:00pm.
CAD40, 3h0m

12:00pm

Percé Rock Walk

At low tide, walk near the famous Percé Rock's arch for unique photo opportunities and beach exploration.
CAD0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Maison du Pêcheur

Enjoy a lobster roll in a historic maritime setting that highlights local seafood traditions.
CAD25, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Joey’s Pub & Eatery

Casual dining with standout grilled salmon burgers and seafood platters to cap off the day.
CAD30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Sillikers to Cape Breton

Sillikers to Englishtown, Canada on July 29, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Englishtown via Miramichi and Cape Breton Causeway

A scenic 5-hour drive traversing Miramichi and crossing the causeway toward Cape Breton Island, immersing in maritime landscapes.
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12:00pm

Stop at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (Baddeck)

Visit the museum (9:00am-5:30pm) with hands-on exhibits showcasing Bell’s inventions and scenic views of Bras d'Or Lake.
CAD15, 1h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Highwheeler Café

Enjoy hearty sandwiches and local specialties like chowder and lemon bars in a friendly café setting.
CAD20, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Simply Pizza

Savor unique seafood-topped pizzas with Cape Breton flair at this popular local eatery.
CAD25, 1h0m
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Day 6: Cabot Trail Loop

Cape Breton Island, Canada on July 30, 2025

8:00am

Skyline Trail Hike

Embark on a 6.5km loop featuring boardwalk overlooks with chances to see moose and eagles. Park open dawn to dusk.
CAD7, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rusty Anchor

Relax on the deck with lobster rolls and ocean views in the quaint wharf-side village of Pleasant Bay.
CAD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Pleasant Bay Whale Interpretation Centre

Quick 30-minute interactive visit to learn about whales and marine ecology of the Cabot Trail region.
CAD5, 30m

2:30pm

Optional Whale Watching Tour

Take a 2-3 hour boat tour from Pleasant Bay or Ingonish to spot whales, seals, and dolphins with expert guides.
CAD75, 3h0m

5:45pm

Explore Chéticamp and Ingoniash Beach

Stroll through Acadian town's arts co-ops and museums, or relax with a beach walk at Ingoniash before dinner.
CAD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Frog Pond Café

Enjoy pan-seared scallops and pasta in a cozy café to end the day on a delicious note.
CAD40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Englishtown to Kamouraska

Englishtown to Kamouraska, Canada on July 31, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Englishtown to Kamouraska

A long 7 hour 45-minute drive, crossing the mainland back toward the south shore of the St. Lawrence River to Kamouraska, a charming village.
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6:30pm

Kamouraska River Boardwalk

Evening walk along the river boardwalk offers serene views at sunset, perfect for a relaxing end-of-day activity.
CAD0, 45m

7:15pm

Visit Galerie d'Art and Boulangerie Niemand

Explore local art galleries and try some fresh baked goods or pastries from this charming bakery.
CAD10, 45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Côté Est

Experience a refined prix fixe menu featuring specialties like eel tartare and smoked seafood, showcasing regional flavors.
CAD60, 1h30m
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Day 8: Kamouraska to Montreal

Kamouraska to Montreal, Canada on August 1, 2025

8:00am

Drive Kamouraska to Montreal

Relaxed 4.5-hour drive back to Montreal, concluding the picturesque East Coast road trip.
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12:30pm

Lunch at Café du Clocher

Lunch on crab melts and fresh seafood soup at this welcoming café in Kamouraska before you leave.
CAD20, 1h0m

1:45pm

Dessert at La Fée Gourmande

Treat yourself to artisanal ice cream and take-home sweet treats as a perfect finale to your trip.
CAD10, 30m
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